ISLAMABAD: Chairman of the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF), Syed Qamar Raza, has issued a clarification in response to a press release circulated by the banned Awami Action Committee, rejecting its claims and explaining the purpose of his contact with the group.
In a statement, Qamar Raza said the committee’s press release was distorting facts through speculation and did not accurately reflect the circumstances surrounding the communication.
He stated that his contact with members of the committee was made purely in a personal capacity with the sole objective of exploring a peaceful resolution to the issue.
“The purpose of the contact was entirely personal and aimed at finding a peaceful solution to the matter,” the statement said.
Emphasis on Peaceful Resolution
Qamar Raza said that safeguarding the interests and addressing the concerns of overseas Pakistanis remains the foremost responsibility of the OPF.
He explained that the communication with members of the banned committee was intended to encourage them to refrain from violence and adopt peaceful means to resolve their concerns.
According to the OPF chairman, most members of the committee responded positively and logically to the proposal for a peaceful settlement.
He also alleged that some individuals were attempting to use what he described as a well-intentioned personal initiative for the purpose of gaining cheap publicity.
Representation and Intent
In his clarification, Qamar Raza emphasized that he did not represent any third party during the interaction.
Instead, he said he was speaking on behalf of his own institution and the people it serves.
“My only objective was my affection for the region and its people, and to work for their welfare,” he said.
The OPF chairman further stated that his efforts to promote peace, reconciliation, and public welfare would not be affected by what he described as negative campaigns.
Background
The clarification follows the publication of a press release by the banned Awami Action Committee, which prompted questions regarding the nature of the contact between the OPF chairman and members of the group.
The statement issued by Qamar Raza reflects his version of events and his explanation of the communication. The committee’s claims and the chairman’s response represent differing accounts of the matter, and no independent verification of those claims has been provided.
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